A youth has been arrested for allegedly trying to rape a 21-year-old girl while she was on her way to college on Wednesday morning at Lalganj area in Pratapgarh district.

Police said the incident came to light when villagers caught the suspect, Kamlesh Yadav (22), in the act and chased him to a gas cylinder godown in Paderia area of Lalganj. They beat him up before handing him over to the police.

The girl, a third-year BA student, was on her way to college when the accused intercepted. The victim sustained injuries on her mouth and her clothes were allegedly torn.

Two girls from the same college, who were behind the victim, heard her and raised an alarm. Following this, villagers reached the spot. When the accused tried to escape, they chased him and caught him.

The police have registered an FIR of attempt to murder and causing injury against the accused on the complaint of the victim’s mother.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the accused was not acquainted to the victim. He spotted her on the way and offered to take her to college. When the girl refused, he tried to force himself on her. When she slapped him, he became angry and hit her several times. The accused has been sent to jail,” said Inspector (Lalganj) Sabhajit Mishra.